Hosting a Blood Drive
06 Dec 2021

Honor National Blood Donor Month with Your New Year's Resolution

More than 50 years ago, on December 31, 1969, the president of the United States signed a proclamation designating January as National Blood Donor Month (NBDM). The new monthly observance was meant to honor voluntary blood donors and to encourage more people to give blood at a time when more blood is needed. 

Even though over 50 years have gone by, January is still usually a period of critical blood shortages. People stop donating blood during the holidays and when they get sick during cold and flu season. Blood drives also cancel due to inclement winter weather.  

We are grateful for blood drive coordinators like you, who help inspire blood donors to give blood year-round. This January, make a resolution to inspire and recruit new blood donors to donate at your blood drives. New donors are important to the future of our nation’s blood supply. As some committed donors become unable to donate as frequently or at all, we need to ensure that new donors are inspired to donate on a regular basis. While helping to recruit new blood donors, you are also helping to create the donor base of the future.  

Vitalant has created a campaign to help increase first-time donors on blood drives. Recruit first-time donors to give blood at your blood drive in December and January and you’ll be automatically entered to win one of 5 - $300 Amazon.com Gift Cards in two monthly drawings! Find out more information about the campaign and tips to recruit first-time donors here.  

On behalf of the patients we serve, thank you for every blood drive you host and every blood donor you inspire to donate. You are the key to ensuring a steady blood supply for patients who rely on blood to survive.